"Take better care of what you buy" - World War II poster by Don Herold, for the makers of Pacific Factag cotton and Rayon Fabrics, United States, about 1942

'Take Better Care of what you Buy', World War II poster encouraging careful use of materials. The poster depicts a cartoon woman standing on a blue slope running diagonally across the poster's surface. She wears a blue checked dress, and she frowns at a small dog tugging at its hem. Below her, within the blue area are the faces of 15 smiling soldiers, each wearing a cap. At the top of the poster is the message, 'The wool in 1 woman's sport suit will make 13 army overseas caps'; the numbers are emphasised in larger type than the rest of the statement. The lower section of the poster is coloured dark-blue, and onto this is the slogan, 'Take Care of what you Buy' in large red letters. The word 'Better' has been inserted, in white letters, in the style of handwriting. Just above this, on the left-hand side of the poster, is a 'note', with a trompe l'oeil pin, which reads, 'Conservation Tip - Always have clean woolen garments dry-cleaned before storing away Spots and soil are happy hunting grounds for moths'.

Gift of the American Friends of the V&A; Gift to the American Friends by Leslie, Judith and Gabri Schreyer and Alice Schreyer Batko

This humorous poster, issued by Pacific Factag, makers of cotton and rayon textiles, reminded women of the sacrifices that they should make to support their country's troops fighting at the front during World War II. In issuing this poster, the organisation highlighted its own contribution to the war effort by reminding its patrons to act responsibly.

E.857-2004